Hillbilly Tacos: A Unique Southern Twist on Taco Night

Step aside, traditional tacos! Hillbilly Tacos are here to revolutionize your taco night with an explosion of Southern comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors. Imagine succulent, slow-cooked pulled pork, piled high with a refreshing, creamy coleslaw, all tucked into a warm, soft tortilla. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that promises to be a hit with family and friends. Get ready to experience a truly fun and easy dinner that blends the best of BBQ with the joy of tacos!

Why These Hillbilly Tacos Are Your Next Favorite Dinner

These unique tacos are a testament to how simple ingredients, when perfectly paired, can create an extraordinary dish. Our Hillbilly Tacos brilliantly combine the rich, smoky flavors of our irresistible Crock Pot Pulled Pork with the crisp, creamy tang of our beloved Southern Coleslaw. This fusion creates a taste profile that’s both familiar and exciting – a true “hillbilly style” celebration of flavors. The name itself often sparks curiosity and laughter, adding an extra element of fun to your mealtime. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving something satisfyingly different, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies. Prepare for rave reviews at your next taco night!

Your Questions Answered: All About Hillbilly Tacos

Curious about this intriguing taco variation? Here are some of the most common questions we hear, providing you with all the insights you need to master these delicious Hillbilly Tacos.

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Hillbilly Tacos

Crafting the perfect Hillbilly Taco requires two main components: the savory pulled pork and the tangy, creamy coleslaw. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Tender Pulled Pork:

• Pork Shoulder Roast (also known as pork butt): This cut is ideal for slow cooking, yielding incredibly tender and flavorful shredded pork. A boneless pork loin can also be used as an alternative, though cooking times may vary slightly.
• Dr. Pepper: This might sound unconventional, but the soda acts as a fantastic tenderizer and adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the pork. Root beer or Coca-Cola are excellent substitutes if Dr. Pepper isn’t available.
• Hickory Liquid Smoke: Just a small amount of this powerful ingredient goes a long way in imparting that authentic, deep smoky BBQ flavor without the need for a smoker.
• Pork Rub Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend for convenience, or whip up a homemade version. If you’re looking for an excellent starting point, check out the recipe on our Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe page.
• BBQ Sauce: A good quality BBQ sauce ties all the flavors together. We’re big fans of Sweet Baby Ray’s for its balanced flavor, but feel free to use your preferred brand or even our Homemade BBQ Sauce for an extra special touch.

For the Tangy Creamy Coleslaw:

• Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots make this step incredibly easy. If you prefer, you can certainly shred your own fresh cabbage.
• Mayonnaise: The cornerstone of creamy coleslaw. Use a high-quality mayonnaise that you enjoy; Dukes or Hellmann’s are popular choices that deliver excellent flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds a wonderful tangy note and contributes to the dressing’s silky texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a homemade substitute by adding a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Dijon Mustard: While regular yellow mustard can be used, Dijon mustard provides a more sophisticated, slightly spicy, and pungent flavor that elevates the coleslaw dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Essential for that bright, acidic kick that cuts through the richness of the pork. Regular white vinegar can be used in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar offers a more nuanced flavor.
• Freshly Grated Onion (or onion powder): Freshly grated onion truly amps up the flavor profile and adds a lovely aromatic bite. If time is short, a small amount of onion powder works as a convenient alternative.
• White Sugar: To balance the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Milk: A small amount helps to thin the dressing to the perfect consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds another layer of tang.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.

Crafting Your Hillbilly Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe involves preparing two main components: the succulent pulled pork and the creamy coleslaw. For best results and to allow flavors to meld, you can prepare the coleslaw during the final hour of the pork’s cooking time.

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Preparation:

1. **Prepare the Pork:** Begin by rinsing your pork shoulder roast thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it meticulously dry with paper towels. A dry surface helps the rub adhere better.
2. **Season Generously:** Liberally massage the pork rub seasoning over every inch of the pork shoulder, ensuring a complete and even coating. For an extra boost of flavor, you may optionally sprinkle with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. **Into the Slow Cooker:** Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder into a 6 or 8-quart slow cooker. Pour the can of Dr. Pepper around the base of the pork and drizzle the hickory liquid smoke evenly along the sides. The soda will work its magic, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor.
4. **Cook to Perfection:** Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork shoulder on the low setting for approximately 8 to 10 hours. The goal is fork-tender pork that practically falls apart. Cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker and the size of the roast.
5. **Shred the Pork:** Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Discard any remaining cooking liquid, as its purpose was to tenderize. Remove the bone if present. Using two forks or specialized shredding claws, begin to pull apart the tender pork. As you shred, take this opportunity to remove any visible excess fat.
6. **Optional: Keep Warm and Flavorful:** For serving, you can return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with a small amount of the reserved cooking liquid (if you saved any) or a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it warm and moist, especially if serving a crowd.

Creamy Coleslaw Preparation:

7. **Combine Coleslaw Mix:** In a large mixing bowl, add both bags of coleslaw mix. Ensure you have ample space for mixing.
8. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a separate, smaller bowl, combine all the remaining coleslaw ingredients: mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, grated onion (or onion powder), white sugar, milk, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth.
9. **Dress the Slaw:** Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw mix in the larger bowl. Stir everything together very well, ensuring every strand of cabbage and carrot is coated.
10. **Chill for Flavor:** If possible, allow the coleslaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive coleslaw.
11. **Final Stir:** Give the coleslaw another good stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Assembling Your Hillbilly Tacos:

12. **Warm the Tortillas:** In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm or lightly char your corn or flour tortillas for about 15-30 seconds per side. This makes them pliable and adds a lovely toasted flavor. Remember to double up corn tortillas for extra durability if using them.
13. **Layer the Flavors:** Take a warm tortilla (or two!), add a generous helping of the tender pulled pork, then top it with a spoonful of the creamy, tangy coleslaw.
14. **Drizzle with BBQ Sauce:** Finish your masterpiece with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce to taste. This adds an extra layer of sweet and smoky goodness.
15. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and watch your guests delight in this unique and flavorful taco experience!

More Mouthwatering Taco and Pulled Pork Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these Hillbilly Tacos and are looking for more exciting meal ideas, explore some of our other fantastic recipes:

• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Tacos
• Crock Pot Birria Tacos
• Oven Roasted Pulled Pork
• Walking Tacos
• Baked Tacos
• Taco Stuffed Shells
• Big Mac Smashburger Tacos
• Shrimp Tacos
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork
• Smoked Pulled Pork

Hillbilly Tacos Recipe

These Hillbilly Tacos feature tender, slow-cooked pulled pork generously topped with a creamy, tangy coleslaw, all wrapped in a warm corn tortilla. It’s a fun and incredibly delicious twist on classic tacos that’s perfect for any occasion!

5 Reviews

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Prep Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

10 hours
hours

Total Time:

10 hours
hours
20 minutes
minutes

Servings:

12
servings

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

Pulled Pork Ingredients:

• 4-6 pounds pork shoulder roast
• ¼ cup store-bought or homemade pork rub
• 12 ounce can Dr Pepper (Coca Cola or root beer work too)
• 1 Tablespoon hickory liquid smoke

Coleslaw Ingredients:

• 2 (14 ounce) bags coleslaw mix
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1 ½ Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ Tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons freshly grated onion (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Taco Assembly:

• corn or flour tortillas (enough for serving; consider doubling corn tortillas for stability)
• 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

• Begin by preparing both the slow-cooked pulled pork and the creamy coleslaw. For optimal flavor melding, the coleslaw can be made during the last hour of the pork’s cooking time.

For the Pulled Pork:

• First, rinse the pork shoulder under running water and carefully pat it dry with paper towels to ensure seasoning adheres well. Then, generously massage the pork rub onto every inch of the shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  
• Optionally, sprinkle the shoulder with additional salt and pepper, then place it into your 6 or 8-quart slow cooker.
  
• Pour the 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker around the pork. Then, evenly distribute 1 Tablespoon of hickory liquid smoke along the sides of the pork to infuse it with a delicious smoky flavor.
  
• Cover and cook the pork shoulder on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  
• Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard the leftover liquid. A helpful tip: you can reserve a small amount of this liquid and add the shredded pork back into it to keep the meat moist and warm if serving buffet style.
• Remove any bones, then shred the pork thoroughly using two forks or shredding claws. As you shred, ensure to remove and discard any excess fat, leaving only the delicious, tender meat.
  

For the Creamy Coleslaw:

• Now, it’s time to prepare the coleslaw. Add both 14-ounce bags of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) to a large mixing bowl, ensuring plenty of room for tossing.
  
• In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the remaining coleslaw ingredients: white sugar, milk, mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, freshly grated onion (or onion powder), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
  
• Pour the whisked creamy dressing over the coleslaw mix in the larger bowl. Stir thoroughly and gently until every piece of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated. Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving, if time permits, to allow the flavors to truly meld and develop.
  
• Give the coleslaw a final stir just before serving to ensure the dressing is well distributed and the texture is perfect.
  

To Assemble Your Hillbilly Tacos:

• Heat your chosen tortillas (corn or flour) in a dry skillet until warm and pliable, or slightly charred if you prefer. Then, fill each tortilla generously with a portion of the tender pulled pork, followed by a spoonful of the creamy coleslaw. Finish with a delicious drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce to taste, and serve immediately for the ultimate Hillbilly Taco experience!
  

Recipe Notes & Tips:

• For quick meal preparation, feel free to use store-bought coleslaw mix or pre-cooked pulled pork. This recipe is also perfect for using up any leftover pulled pork.
• Personalize your tacos by using your favorite brand of BBQ sauce and spice rub, whether homemade or store-bought.
• **Tortilla Tip:** If you’re using corn tortillas, we highly recommend doubling them up per taco. This provides extra strength and prevents them from breaking apart under the weight of the delicious fillings.
• **Storage:** To maintain freshness and quality, always store the cooked pulled pork and the creamy coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tortillas should be stored at room temperature.
• **Freezing:** The cooked pulled pork freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. However, due to its creamy base, we do not recommend freezing the coleslaw, as its texture will be compromised upon thawing.

**Homemade Pork Rub Recipe:**

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 teaspoons brown sugar

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Calories:
338
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
32
g

|

Protein:
20
g

|

Fat:
15
g

|

Sodium:
649
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
24
g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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